Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rutland, VT (2024 Update)

  • Rutland Solar Installation Cost: $14,913
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,641
  • Payback Period: 11.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rutland

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Rutland.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rutland it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Rutland, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,913, or $21,326 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $23,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rutland find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Rutland

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,552
3 years $-10,830
5 years $-8,109
7 years $-5,387
9 years $-2,665
11 years $57
13 years $2,779
15 years $5,500
17 years $8,222
19 years $10,944
21 years $13,666
23 years $16,387
25 years $19,109

Top Solar Installers in Rutland

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Rutland, optimizing your ROI.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Rutland, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Rutland

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rutland

There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Rutland, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,850 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. Rutland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $4.00 $16,817 $19,786 11.5 years
8 kW $3.93 $21,991 $26,813 11.3 years
10 kW $3.85 $26,950 $34,055 11.0 years
12 kW $3.77 $31,693 $41,513 10.8 years
14 kW $3.70 $36,221 $49,187 10.6 years
16 kW $3.62 $40,533 $57,076 10.4 years
18 kW $3.54 $44,629 $65,180 10.2 years
20 kW $3.47 $48,510 $73,501 9.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Rutland, VT Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rutland?

The average cost of solar panels in Rutland is about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Rutland?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Rutland, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Rutland?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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